A necessary shift for everyone in recovery is to go from negative bondage to a positive affirmation. This transition takes a consistent concerted effort to achieve. Most people stop before they succeed. It will likely be the most rewarding challenge we ever embark on.
Before going down the road of what we are saying yes to, let’s define the term.
Positive Affirmation; Something declared to be true; a positive statement or judgment.
As we start down this path/journey let’s look at areas we can help create and nurture positive affirmation. Consider practicing the following for the process. Remember, we are practicing. Rarely do we 100% success with something new or deeply involving. Even with 80% success, we will be far better off than if we never started to journey.
- Affirm life in your thoughts and your words. (To affirm life is to build up, to nurture, to support, and to bless)
- Refuse to gossip. Commit to saying only words that are uplifting or helpful to others.
- Refuse to listen to gossip. Compassionately tell others it is beneath them to gossip.
- Refuse to indulge in complaining about another person.
- Refuse to dwell on self-critical thoughts. Learn from mistakes and move on.
- Intentionally look for positive qualities to think about your self. Make a list often.
- Intentionally look for positive qualities in others. Tell them.
- Don’t take the words of others personally. Their words are more about them than about you. Let go of your grudges and your hurts and wish others well. This practice will make you happier.
- Do not allow negative emotions to control you. Accept it. Be willing to let it go. Stop feeding it with negative words. Choose words that will refocus you on who you are and what you want.
To help maximize your success and to be in alignment with the task at hand, remember, gossip and complaining are distractions and misuse of your energy. Decide what you want and apply your positive affirmation to it. As you become more life-affirming in your thoughts and words you will experience more joy and success, and your sense of well-being will affect others. More people will trust you and want to help you. Your life will change. Affirm life with your thoughts and words and you will find that your organization, your family, your community, and you will benefit greatly. Welcome to the journey of and for a lifetime.
Robert Pardon
Robert is the Recovery Guy. Getting clean and sober on April 25, 1986 has given me the insight and practical skill set to not only stay sober, but to also re-invent myself to the person I always wanted to become. Showing others how to do this is my life goal.
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